Sree Charani backs India to bounce back from T20 World Cup after ENG loss

India’s left-arm spinner Sree Charani has powered the team to make a strong comeback after a 26-run defeat by England in the second Women’s T20I in Bristol. The loss leveled the three-match series 1-1 and set up a crucial third match as both sides fine-tuned their preparations for the upcoming FIFA T20 World Cup.

The ongoing series is a key part of India’s preparations for the Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, which begins on June 12. Charani admitted that India would have benefited from a 2-0 leadbut he insisted that the team’s focus is on regrouping and reacting in deciding the series.

“I think every match is important for us to win, to gain confidence or take something out of the match. If we win here, I think we’ve won two, so that would give us more confidence,” Charani said after the second T20I, as quoted by PTI.

“I think we’ve got a good challenge ahead of us now, so I think we’ll be up for it,” she added, reflecting the team’s mindset ahead of the final game at Taunton. Team India celebrates Sree Charani’s second goal of the match (Photo: BCCI Women)

Despite the defeat, Charani was one of India’s leading performers with the ball as he took three crucial wickets, including those from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones and Heather Knight. Her spell briefly dragged India back into the contest before England regained control in the latter stages of the innings.

Charani ended the game with figures of 3/25 in her four overs by sticking to her strengths and not over-complicating her approach in English conditions.

“I’m just trying to bowl my best, that’s it, nothing much, I’m not trying anything, just sequence bowling. I think the spin of the ball is my key strength.”

Her disciplined spell again underlined India’s growing reliance on young spin options as they look to build a balanced attack ahead of a major global tournament.

NEXT: THE SERIES DECISION

With the series level at 1-1, India head into the third and final T20I in Taunton on Tuesday. to seal the victory in a morale-boosting series. The match is expected to serve as a crucial test of temperament, especially for a relatively young squad adjusting to English conditions.

After deciding the series, India will play two warm-up matches in Cardiff on June 8 and 10 before heading out to open their FIFA T20 World Cup campaign against Pakistan on June 14. The management is expected to use this period to finalize combinations and assess bench strength, especially in the bowling department.

Charani and the rest of the team are focused on quick adaptation and consistency. While the defeat in the second T20I revealed areas for improvement, India will take confidence from individual performances as they look to peak at the right time on the world stage.

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Published on:

31 May 2026 13:03 IST